Recent progress in efficient zeolite-based catalysts for catalytic conversion of C₁ molecules

The catalytic conversion of C₁ molecules (e.g. methane, methanol, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, etc.) represents a pivotal strategy for obtaining high-value chemicals and achieving carbon neutrality. Zeolites, by virtue of their high specific surface area, substantial adsorption capacity, uniform molecular-scale pore architectures, exceptional thermal and hydrothermal stability, and well-defined micropores that confer superior shape-selectivity, are highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts within the petrochemical and fine chemical sectors. The targeted design and synthesis of zeolites with tailored properties are therefore critical for advancing their application in C₁ valorization processes. Within this review, we survey the decisive impact of zeolite characteristics on the catalysis of C₁ transformations. The interplay of structural (framework topology and hierarchical design), chemical (acidity and wettability), and physico-chemical (confinement effects) properties will be analyzed in the context of processes involved in the pivotal conversion of C₁ molecules, such as the selective oxidation of methane, methanol-to-olefins (MTO), Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis, CO₂ hydrogenation, etc.